Green New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions. Love em or hate em, we have all been privy to other people’s goals for the future at some point or other. Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution? Do you make one every year? Do you stick to them? Forget weight loss, spending less, or quitting smoking. If you want a resolution that makes a difference, why not consider one of these resolutions that are not only good for you, but good for the environment.

Top 5 Green New Year’s Resolutions Worth Doing

1. 

   Prune

   Prune your Trees – Kind of like losing weight, pruning your trees can be good for them. Sometimes a tree’s branches grow too close together, preventing proper air flow or light penetration. Other times a tree may have dead or weak limbs that could pose hazards in the future. Wires, buildings, gutters, chimneys, sidewalks and even other trees can hamper proper growth of your tree, requiring pruning. There are many good reasons to prune a tree, so how about you resolve to take care of your trees in 2014.

2. 

   Fertilize

   Fertilize your Trees – Another resolution that many people make is to feed their souls, via stuff like taking up new activities or spending more time with friends and family. How about feeding your trees so that they thrive too – with a little fertilizer! Most urban trees have the leaves that fall underneath them raked up, preventing those nutrients from re-entering the soil; hence the need for fertilizing the soil around them. While new trees don’t need to be fertilized the first year, after that they should be fertilized every year until they are well established. Older trees should be fertilized every two to three years. For trees that are under stress (ie. insect invasion, disease, drought, etc.) consult a certified Arborist.

3. 

   Aerate

   Aerate – Aerating the ground around trees and shrubs allows more air and water to get to the roots of your plants. That goes for grass as well. Compacted soil prevents essential nutrients from reaching your plant. The simple process of aerating is a gift to your plants and yourself for the benefits that you both will receive – healthier species! Think of it kind of like reducing the stress in your life.

4. 

   Mulch

   Mulch your Trees – We all need a little protection from the elements. Trees are no different. A layer of mulch at the base of a tree helps to keep in valuable moisture, reduces weeds, helps maintain soil temperature (cooler in summer and warmer in winter), gives a buffer from lawn mowers and weed whackers and prevents soil compaction. Sounds like getting organized so that you can face the main goal – living life!

5. 

   Pledge to plant a tree in 2014

   Plant a Tree –

   The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.  The next best time is now.  ~ Chinese Proverb

   The Million Tree Challenge is asking all Londoners to get out and plant a tree for a healthier, leafier community. They improve air quality, reduce heating and cooling costs, increase property values, decrease noise pollution, soil erosion and water pollution, plus provide homes, perches and nutrients for numerous insects, birds and other animals. They improve people’s moods and outlooks, which is one of the best reasons to make tree planting the Number 1 reason to get out and plant a tree in 2014! Don’t forget to register all the trees you plant with the Million Tree Challenge.

Happy New Year from CLC Tree Services!